Mount Rainier National Park is located about 50 miles southeast of Puget Sound (Seattle and Tacoma). Â It is home to Washington’s highest peak and one of the worlds most dangerous volcanoes; Mount Rainier. Â Despite being only 50 miles from the Puget Sound metro area, it can be a slow drive to the park as there are no major freeways going in that direction. Â To get there you will need to take state highways that are scattered with stoplights and filled with traffic. Â The drive from Tacoma or Seattle can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Orientation:
There are two entrances into the park, one at State Highway 706 to the south and the other at State Highway 410 to the north. Â You can enter at either side, spend the day in the park (or longer) and come out at the other end. Â Navigating the park is easy as there is only one route that takes your from either end with numerous places to stop off.
Amenities:Â
Within the park you can get food and lodging but you CANNOT get gas inside the park. Â So fill up in Ashford on the south side or Enumclaw on the north side. Â Also, there are restrooms and drinkable water at most places of interest along the road.
Price and Hours:
There is a $15 dollar fee at the gate for all motor vehicles. Â Bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are only charged $5 per day. Â Each pass is good for 7 days.
Major Sites:
- Mount Rainier
- ParadiseÂ
- Skyline Trail
- Grove of the PatriarchsÂ
- Sunrise
